SoCal kids & families, May 16-23: NHM’s Bug Fair, ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ the Celebrating Words Festival and more
SoCal kids & families, May 16-23: NHM’s Bug Fair, ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ the Celebrating Words Festival and more
Encourage your children to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this coming weekend and beyond
Welcome to a new edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
Let’s have some fun!
‘IF’ A young girl learns she has the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends in this 2024 live-action/animated fantasy comedy directed by John Krasinski. With Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell. 104 mins. Rated PG. if.movie
‘Wheels on the Bus’ Cart the wee ones on in for this interactive musical for toddlers, preschoolers and the grownups what brung them. Porticos Art Space, 2033 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. 9 and 11 a.m. Saturdays-Sundays thru June 9, with two open-caption performances on June 9. $20; all attendees over the age of one must have tickets; floor seating on mats, limited bench seating available. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
38th Annual Bug Fair Kids can get in touch with their inner entomologists as this popular event for lovers of all things creepy and crawly returns with talks, puppetry, musical performances, arts & crafts, a movie screening, a cooking demonstration (!) and more. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19. Free with museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; advanced tickets recommended). nhm.org
19th Annual Celebrating Words Festival Presented by Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, this free and family-friendly event promoting literacy and cultural awareness includes book giveaways; music, art and gardening workshops; information on community resources; a wellness zone; a rock-climbing wall and more. The Vaughn G3 Academy, 11200 Herrick Ave., Pacoima. 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Free. RSVP at tiachucha.org
Benita Bike’s DanceArt The L.A.-based modern dance company wraps its season with a family friendly interactive program of new work and favorite repertory. La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Free. (818) 470-5734. danceart.org
‘Creative Ways: Mental Health Wellness Fair’ Gloria Molina Grand Park and Center Theatre Group co-present this inclusive, all-ages event featuring hands-on arts & crafts, interactive games, therapeutic workshops, family yoga, DJ sets, a petting zoo and more. Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Free. grandparkla.org
‘Melody in Motion’ Santa Monica College’s annual children’s concert includes performances and collaborations by students and faculty from SMC’s music, art and dance programs. SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18. Free. (310) 434-4323. smc.edu
The Three Stooges Festival Get more nyuck, nyuck, nyucks for your bucks in this annual celebration of the legendary slapstick trio. Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18. $10, $12. (310) 322-2592. oldtownmusichall.org
Louise Reichlin & Dancers/ LA Choreographers & Dancers The local troupe performs favorite repertory and previews a new piece. Culver City Senior Center, 4095 Overland Ave., Culver City. 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Free. lachoreographersanddancers.org
CicLAmini – Wilmington CicLAvia offers a scaled-down edition of their open-streets festivals featuring hubs for bathroom breaks, water refills, bike repairs, etc. plus hands-on activities and live entertainment. Wilmington Waterfront Park, W C. St., to Banning Recreation Center, 401 E. M St., Wilmington. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Free. (213) 355-8500. ciclavia.org
‘Beauty and the Beast’ She’s swell, and he’s not so bad once you get to know him, in this kid-friendly stage show based on the classic fairy tale. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays thru July 28. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
LA County Fair Ride the rides, play the games, pet the animals and indulge in deep-fried you-name-it at the return of this month-long celebration that also includes concerts featuring War, TLC, Pat Benatar and many others. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Pomona. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays plus Memorial Day, thru May 27. $10-$30; ages 5 and under, free; season passes, $19, $78; additional fees for rides and carnival games; concerts, various prices (includes fair admission unless purchased on the day of the show). lacountyfair.com
‘Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak’ The beloved illustrator of such classic children’s books as “Where the Wild Things Are” is celebrated in this super-sized survey of paintings, drawings, toys and more; thru Sept. 1. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Closed Monday. $8-$13; 2 and under, free; free on Thursdays. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
‘Dining with the Sultan at Charles White Elementary School’ LACMA serves up a kid-sized companion to the exhibit “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting.” Also included: monthly hands-on arts & crafts workshops (RSVP required). Charles White Elementary School, 2401 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, thru Aug. 10. Free. lacma.org